By RORY MOORE
Tiger Media Network
The Chamber in Hays hosted the 37th annual Education Appreciation inside the Rose Garden Banquet Hall to recognize educators from school districts across Ellis County on Tuesday. Teachers, principals and staff were treated to a Kansas trivia, prizes and positive messages from sponsors commending them for their work with students.
The Chamber in Hays hosts the 37th Education Appreciation inside the Rose Garden Banquet Hall. 
Reflecting on their work with students and other educators. 
Participating in a Kansas-themed trivia. 
Joking around while answering questions. 
Breaking the Trivia tie with a game of “Cup-Off.” 
Aug 26, 2025 
Sarah Wasinger calls prize numbers as Darren Werth collects tickets. 
Giving away prizes. 
Closing out an evening of entertainment for educators.
The event is also a strategic move by the Chamber to build community with students and businesses.
“We’re very interested in making sure that we are catalyzing workforce opportunities for local High School and College students by connecting them with jobs here in Ellis County,” Chamber President and CEO Sarah Wasinger said. “This is also a great way to remind our teachers that we have a lot of businesses that care about their success and the successful students they produce every year.”
Wasinger wants to establish a support system for teachers and students alike.
“We’ve averaged about 200 attendees every year for this,” she said. “We know we’re getting people at the grade, middle, high, and post-secondary school levels. It’s a good opportunity to make sure our students and their teachers know we have businesses that support them. It’s one of the more unique ways that all of the schools get together throughout the year. It’s the only event I’m aware of that brings all schools in Ellis County together at one time.”
She believes the Appreciation has been a net benefit for educators across the region.
“Our teachers work really hard, and sometimes, I think they don’t know they have appreciation and support for what they do,” she said. “This is to let them know that they have people who care about them and want to see them succeed, and if they need extra help, there are people here to support them along the way.”